Young Drivers

Research

Generational Perspective on Teen and Older Drivers on Traffic Safety in Rural and Urban Communities
Minnesota Department of Transportation, 2008
Mn/DOT 2005-41 [Technical Summary (PDF)]

Developing Driving Support Systems to Mitigate Behavioral Risk Patterns Among Teen Drivers
University of Minnesota Center for Transportation Studies, 2007
CTS 07-05

Eye Movement Patterns for Novice Teen Drivers: Does 6 Months of Driving Experience Make a Difference? (PDF)
Transportation Research Board, 2007

Eyeglance Behavior of Novice Teen and Experienced Adult Drivers (PDF)
Transportation Research Board, 2006

Resources

"How to Save a Life" video presentation

The Minnesota State Patrol is using a powerful highway safety video presentation in hopes of making an impact on teenage drivers. The 15-minute video, titled "How to Save a Life," has been a valuable tool in communicating the seriousness of the life-and-death decisions teens make while driving. Its effectiveness is due at least in part to the video's often graphic images of real Minnesota highway crashes and the emotional stories told by affected families. According to Minnesota State Patrol Captain Matt Langer, the inclusion of graphic footage gives the video a "much bigger impact," he says. "The goal is to grab young people and their parents as well, and spark conversation between the two."

The "How to Save a Life" presentation has been so engaging that local television news station FOX 9 broadcast a special report in June 2009 highlighting the State Patrol's efforts with the video.

Although the video is not publicly distributed, Minnesota State Patrol troopers have visited hundreds of schools and other public forums to show How to Save a Life and answer questions. Those interested in scheduling a presentation should contact Captain Langer at Matthew.Langer@state.mn.us.

Teen Driving: Tools and Resources
Allstate Insurance Company
Contains helpful resources for parents of teen drivers: a five-step action plan, driving contract, tips for preparing your teen driver, and more.